A SHEEPISH soap star who couldn't open the village fete made himself available to do the joint honours as soon as heard about Morley Green’s woolly wonder.

Walter the three-month old lamb has been taken to the hearts of the village's residents after being orphaned at just two days old and was rapidly becoming the best-known celebrity for miles around.

Coronation Street legend Simon Gregson was unavailable when he and a host of other famous names were called upon by social club committee members to open the summer fete, but Simon, aka Steve McDonald, took time out to meet Walter after reading about his heart-warming story.

Originally orphaned from a farm in Styal, Walter was adopted by Barbara Jessop, 62, of Newlands, Wilmslow who then fed him every two hours, even through the night, until he regained his strength and now takes him on a horse’s rope down to the Morley Green Social Club for his walks.

Simon and Walter hit it off straight away at the fete with Simon feeding the little lamb his bottle before jointly cutting the ribbon together for what was one of the most successful summer fair Morley Green has ever seen.

Club president Nigel Woodall said: "Both of our special guests were pretty good but Walter was the main man. The day went fantastically and was one of the best we have ever had with loads of money being taken on the door and it's all thanks to Walter. Simon and his girlfriend were brilliant and really down to earth, she was even playing on the the miniature JCBs. There was a great sense of community on the day and that was due to Walter and Simon."

* THE joint opening of the Morley Green Social Club's Summer Fete almost didn't happen because of the case of a missing grid and a mystery injury to Coronation Street's Simon Gregson.

After a spate of iron grid thefts from around Knutsford over the past few weeks a grid near to the club was allegedly stolen and may have been responsible for a twisted ankle that nearly ruled out the actor.

Club president Nigel Woodall said: "Someone must have nicked one of the grids and Simon fell and twisted his leg. Like a true professional he still turned up and opened the fete."

Due to a busy filming schedule Simon was unable to speak to the Express but a Coronation Street spokeswoman said that he lost his footing but didn't fall and is absolutely fine.